MANCHESTER UNITED are poised to offer Wayne Rooney a new four-year deal worth an astonishing £52million to keep the England striker at Old Trafford.

How much? Manchester United are set to hand Wayne Rooney a four-year contract worth £52m [GETTY]

Rooney was heavily linked with a summer switch to Chelsea, but remained at United and has proved his worth to the champions with a sparkling run of form.

The 28-year-old has scored nine goals in 18 appearances for club and country this term, with United keen to tie him down to fresh terms.

And the Red Devils are prepared to maintain Rooney's current £250,000-a-week pay packet for a further four years.

Rooney (right) is in good mood whilst on England duty [GETTY]

In terms of player wages we are seeing inflation around it

Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward

Rooney's current deal expires in the summer of 2015 and United want to put to bed any interest that could still transpire from Chelsea.

The Champions refused to comment on reports that they want to agree an extension with Rooney by January, but former chief executive and club director David Gill said last month he would be a offered a new contract "without doubt" if he continued his form.

United's new executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward hinted at the astronomic figures involved in Rooney's potential deal, when discussing modern day salaries.

Rooney was heavily linked with a summer move to Chelsea [GETTY]

"In terms of player wages we are seeing inflation around it but we are also seeing, particularly within the Premier League, a fall in the acceleration around player wage growth," said Woodward.

"I think due to financial fair play rules and the rules that have been put in place in the Premier League.

"But when you look at the top end of wages, the top 10 teams in Europe or the top players, we are seeing inflation at that end. There is a bit of a mix going on and we will present a blend of that over the next three to five years."